Kellogg Information Systems (KIS) Classroom & Educational Technologies

CAMERA COMPARISON

Below are the videos feeds from 3 different types of cameras – laptop built-in, 1080p webcam and a digital camera. While the output from the digital camera yields the best quality resolution and lighting, the USB webcam is a close second and sufficient enough to provide a good visual experience.

Laptop built-in camera	1080p USB Webcam – RECOMMENDED	Digital SLR

ADVICE

• Assess your laptop's built-in camera quality with a test Zoom call. Recent computer models (such as the Surface Pro 7 or even the iPad Pro) already come with a built-in 1080p camera. 
• The external 1080p USB webcam is the best baseline option for good video output. It is easy to use (just plug-n-play). 
• While we recommend the Logitech Brio webcam (pictured on right) – https://www.cdw.com/product/logitech-brio-4k-pro-webcam/4473675?pfm=srh, any other 1080p HD webcams found on Amazon will give a clear output and give you placement flexibility.
• For optimal appearance, the camera should be placed just above your eye-level and angled slightly downward.
• If you have expertise with a digital camera, go for it!

ZOOM TIPS

Regardless of which camera you are using, make sure you have the HD setting enabled in your Zoom client for high-quality video output. Instructions are available here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115002595343-Video-enhancements#h_01EEEKVD06W1QDZ5GXCS2B9KYN.

EYE LEVEL

If you are using just a laptop (not connected to a monitor), place your laptop on top of something (books, a standing desk, etc.) to get the webcam to the level of your forehead. Remember, no one wants to look up your nose! 

FACIAL FRAMING

Great, your camera is at eye level, and it is angled slightly downward. There is one more thing to do – properly frame yourself in the video.

Here’s the secret to getting the right amount of head room. Imagine a “tic tac toe” grid laid over top of your screen. Instead of placing the your head in the center square, put your eyes along that imaginary top third line of the tic tac toe grid. Make sure you can see your shoulders in the shot.

This type of head-and-shoulders shot is ideal for communication. Any further away, and you start to lose that personal contact. And if you move too close to the camera, it gets uncomfortable for the viewer. See examples below:

Information and pictures credit: https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-frame-your-webcam-video-like-a-pro–cms-27228

NEED FOR LIGHTING

High quality images rely on more than just the camera’s resolution. Adequate lighting eliminates any potential noise or “grain” and other undesirable artifacts associated with underexposed digital images. In other words, you can have the best camera and still yield a poor output if your lighting is not properly positioned on you.

Photo credit: https://www.lifesize.com/en/video-conferencing-blog/video-conferencing-lighting-solutions 

ADVICE

• Take advantage of natural light, such as facing the window or being in a well lit room; this usually produces the best outcome.
• Not near windows? No worries. Ensure the room you are in is evenly lit and use face light
  (such as the Lume Cube, pictured on right), to brighten and fill in the shadows around you.
• Adjust your laptop/monitor screen brightness to ensure the right amount of light is reflecting on your face.

ZOOM TIP

Zoom offers built in lighting adjustments. Select Automatic or Manual (and set the right brightness on your face). These settings will be remembered for every Zoom session on your computer.

Open video in full screen >

YOUR NATURAL BACKGROUND

• Is just as important as your camera and lighting.
• Whether you are at home or in a formal office, make sure your background is uncluttered and professional.
• Remember, less is more! Remove any clutter, clothes, piles of boxes, etc.
• If you have a bookcase in your background, make sure your books are organized! A sloppy arrangement will divert attention.

Not so good examples (found on the web!)

Assess your natural background

• Sit (or stand) at your teaching location and start a Zoom session.
• Take a selfie or a screenshot of what others see in your background.
• Remove objects on your desk or on your wall that may detract from your presence. 
• Think about what your background says about you.

USING VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS

A GREEN SCREEN is a MUST!

Using a green screen prevents video fragmentation, which is easily seen if you move your head too quickly or make gestures with your hand when just using a virtual background. If you prefer to use a virtual background, invest in a green screen and use high resolution pictures.

•  See this quick setup option from Amazon.
• Use Kellogg-branded personalized or general virtual backgrounds.
• KIS page about using virtual backgrounds.
• Check out this video showing the difference between using a green screen and not using one, with a virtual background:
  

The Microphone

Practically no one has a studio built at their home or office, unless you are an avid podcaster or create a lot of recorded content. Having clear, crisp audio is essential to any videoconferencing session and quality counts for a good livestreaming experience. If the audio from your laptop's built-in mic is not good enough, read on to see more optimal options. 

• Use wired headphones with a microphone (such as your Apple earbuds) or wireless ones like AirPods or other wireless earbuds.
• Standalone mic. This connects to your laptop via USB and gives your audio extra clarity. Best options are advised on this page:https://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-6-best-microphones-for-the-home-office-and-remote-work. 
• Headsets. If you have a call-center type headset, use it. The sound quality is about five times better than some of the alternatives listed above. The Jabra Evolve has gotten great reviews: https://www.jabra.com/business/office-headsets/jabra-evolve/jabra-evolve-40##6399-829-209.

Zoom Tips

Are people having trouble hearing you, or hear your keyboard  as you speak? Adjust your Zoom Audio level settings to enable high noise suppression and adjust your mic audio level. Open video in full screen >

One Monitor or Two?

As you teach or present you generally want to keep your eyes on the following:

• Your teaching material being shared
• Zoom gallery view of participants
• Zoom participant list (for the blue raised hands)
• Zoom chat window (if you choose to use it and monitor it)

Can you do it with just a laptop screen or one monitor? Yes, but it may be a bit harder to arrange all the windows on one screen.  We recommend:

• Getting an external monitor (such as the Lenovo ThinkVision 27").
• Putting your external webcam on top of it. Place your Gallery view right on this monitor, so as you look at your virtual students, it appears you are looking at them. You can even drag the participant list and chat window to this screen.
• Use your laptop screen to show your shared content.
• Put your laptop screen at the same height as the monitor using a laptop stand, and use and external keyboard and mouse to control it. This way, you can glance at your slides and maintain the same eye level.

Picture credit: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-tech-and-apps-for-your-home-office